What comes as a dagger in the hearts of MS Dhoni‘s fans and the Chennai Super Kings franchise is that the CSK skipper is reportedly carrying an injury and might miss the IPL 2023 opening match against Gujarat Titans.
The IPL 2023 will get underway on March 31, Friday, at the Narendra Modi stadium in Ahmedabad with Hardik Pandya’s defending champions hosting CSK.
Is MS Dhoni injured?
The Indian Express has reported that MS Dhoni is “struggling with a niggle in his left knee”.
“It is understood that he is still feeling some discomfort and doesn’t want to push too much as the team is short on wicketkeeping options.
“Although Dhoni came for the practice session on the eve of the match at the Narendra Modi Stadium, he didn’t bat in the nets on Thursday,” the report said.
The former India skipper was involved in a long discussion with Gujarat Titans mentor Gary Kirsten, who was India’s coach in the 2011 World Cup.
Will MS Dhoni play against GT in IPL 2023?
According to those in the know of this latest development, a call on MS Dhoni’s fitness for the match will be take on Friday, but, the report added, “chances of his inclusion remain bleak”.
In case MS Dhoni is not fit to play, then you may see either Ravindra Jadeja or Ben Stokes lead CSK against Gujarat Titans. Ruturaj Gaikwad, who led Maharashtra in the Vijay Hazare Trophy and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, is another captaincy option, but CSK would want the opener to focus on his batting.
Opener Devon Conway would then take the gloves.
More information on MS Dhoni’s knee injury:
The 41-year-old has been facing issues with his left knee over the past few days. During the intra-squad practice match at the Chepauk on Monday, Dhoni was “initially hesitant” to come to bat, and was seen seated with a kneecap.
Though he came out to bat eventually, he was struggling to run, and was seen limping every time he pushed for a two. There were instances when he even paused mid-way, before limping to the crease. And right through that evening, he didn’t keep wicket as well.
CSK believes that with a few days’ rest, Dhoni would be able to take the field, especially for their first home match against Lucknow Supergiants on Monday, as reported by The Indian Express.
